die Probe
rehearsal
The joint practice of a play, piece of music, or another artistic performance before the actual performance.
EXAMPLE
Das Orchester hat morgen eine neunstündige Probe.
The orchestra has a nine-hour rehearsal tomorrow.
die Probe
rehearsal / sample / test
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Meanings
die Probe
sample
A small amount of a substance or material that is taken in order to examine its properties or quality.
EXAMPLE
Der Arzt schickte die Blutprobe zur Analyse ins Labor.
The doctor sent the blood sample to the lab for analysis.
die Probe
test / trial
A test or examination to determine the suitability, ability, or quality of someone or something.
EXAMPLE
Die ersten sechs Monate im neuen Job gelten als Probe.
The first six months in the new job are considered a trial period.
auf die Probe stellen
to put to the test
To expose someone or something to a difficult situation in order to test their resilience, loyalty, or quality.
EXAMPLE
Die lange Krankheit hat ihre Geduld auf eine harte Probe gestellt.
The long illness put her patience to a hard test.
die Probe
check
In mathematics, a checking calculation used to verify the correctness of a result.
EXAMPLE
Vergiss nicht, nach der schriftlichen Division die Probe zu machen.
Don't forget to do the check after the long division.
Usage tips
Word family with 'probieren'
'Die Probe' (rehearsal/sample/test) is the noun related to the verb 'probieren' (to try, test). The basic idea of trying out or testing connects all meanings of the word.
EXAMPLE
Bevor du den Wein kaufst, solltest du ihn probieren.
Before you buy the wine, you should try it.
Fixed expression
The idiom 'etwas/jemanden auf die Probe stellen' (to put something/someone to the test) means to test the resilience, quality, or loyalty of something or someone. The thing or person being tested is in the accusative.
EXAMPLE
Die lange Distanz stellte ihre Beziehung auf eine harte Probe.
The long distance put their relationship to a hard test.
Context: art & music
In an artistic context (theater, music, dance), 'Probe' (rehearsal) always means a practice session. An important combination is 'die Generalprobe' (dress rehearsal) for the final practice before the performance.
EXAMPLE
Die Band hat heute ihre letzte Probe vor dem großen Auftritt.
The band has its last rehearsal today before the big performance.
Context: science & medicine
In a scientific or medical context, a 'Probe' (sample) is a small amount of a material. Typical verbs are 'eine Probe nehmen' (to take a sample), 'entnehmen' (to take/extract), or 'analysieren' (to analyze).
EXAMPLE
Der Biologe entnahm eine Wasserprobe aus dem See, um sie zu untersuchen.
The biologist took a water sample from the lake in order to examine it.
At work: auf Probe
In working life, 'Probe' (trial/test) often refers to the probationary period. The fixed expressions are 'auf Probe eingestellt sein' (to be hired on a probationary basis) or 'auf Probe arbeiten' (to work on a trial basis).
EXAMPLE
Der neue Mitarbeiter ist für die ersten drei Monate auf Probe angestellt.
The new employee is hired on a probationary basis for the first three months.
Context: mathematics
In mathematics, 'die Probe' (the check) is the checking calculation used to verify a result. The fixed expression for this is 'die Probe machen' (to do the check).
EXAMPLE
Nachdem du die Gleichung gelöst hast, musst du als Kontrolle die Probe machen.
After you have solved the equation, you have to do the check as a control.
Compare with
Probe vs Kontrolle
control / check
Kontrolle is the general term for checking a result. In mathematics, Probe more specifically refers to a checking calculation used to confirm a result. When recalculating a problem, Kontrolle describes the checking process in general, while Probe is the more technical term.
Probe
Als Probe setzt Mia das Ergebnis in die ursprüngliche Gleichung ein.
As a check, Mia substitutes the result into the original equation.
Kontrolle
Zur Kontrolle rechnet Mia die Aufgabe noch einmal vollständig aus.
To check her work, Mia calculates the problem all the way through again.
In real life
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